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“If there’s nothing else?” I glance around the table. “Then let us pray for Monsignor Adessi’s soul.”

As they file out, I notice the cardinals immediately forming into clusters—Antonelli with Lombardi and Visconti, while two others drift toward Sullivan. The battle lines are already being drawn.

Cardinal Sullivan lingers behind. Once we are alone, his formal demeanour softens.

“Marco, are you all right? Finding a body like that…”

I sink back into my chair. “I keep seeing his face, James. And wondering what drove him to such desperation.”

Sullivan sits beside me. “This audit—it’s the right thing to do, but you’re making powerful enemies quickly.”

“Someone died, James. Right in our gardens.”

“Yes, and I’m not convinced it was suicide.” His voice drops lower. “The note seems too convenient, too explanatory.”

A chill runs through me. “You think he was murdered?”

“I think we should consider all possibilities.” He leans forward. “The Vatican Bank has a troubled history. Reforms have been attempted before, but resistance has always been fierce.”

“Because of these ‘untouchable accounts’?”

“Perhaps.” Sullivan’s weathered face shows concern. “The Vatican Bank scandal in the 1980s revealed connections to organized crime, money laundering, and political corruption. Pope Benedict and Francis both tried to implement reforms. Some succeeded, others were… quietly undermined.”

“By whom?”

“That’s the question, isn’t it?” Sullivan sighs.

“The Curia isn’t monolithic, Marco. There are those like Antonelli who believe the Church’s financial autonomy is paramount—that the ends justify the means.

Others, like Visconti, are simply protecting their patrons and benefactors.

And some are true believers who think any scandal would damage the Church more than continued secrecy. ”

“And where do you stand?”

Sullivan smiles sadly. “I believe Christ threw the money changers from the temple for a reason. But I also believe in proceeding wisely.” He places a hand on my shoulder.

“Proceed carefully, Marco. Build alliances before charging into battle. This isn’t just about financial reform—it’s about the soul of the Church. ”

I nod slowly. “I’ve asked Sister Lucia to join my advisory team. Her theological perspective will be valuable.”

“Good. She’s brilliant, and respected even by traditionalists.” He rises to leave. “Just remember—the papacy is a marathon, not a sprint. You have many years ahead of you to achieve your goals.”

After he leaves, I stare out the window toward the gardens where I found Adessi’s body. The Vatican’s ancient walls have witnessed centuries of intrigue, power struggles, and yes, even murder. I’ve been naive to think my election would change that overnight.

* * *

“The Gospel is clear about wealth and corruption,” Sister Lucia Bongiorno says, her voice steady as she places a stack of books on my desk. “Jesus drove the money changers from the temple. He didn’t form a committee to study their practices.”

I smile despite myself. Three days have passed since Adessi’s death, and opposition to my audit is mounting. Sister Lucia’s directness is refreshing.

“The conservative cardinals argue that prudence and tradition demand a more measured approach,” I say.

“Prudence doesn’t equal inaction, and tradition includes Christ’s teachings on wealth.” She opens one of the books, pointing to a highlighted passage. “The early Church shared all possessions in common. The Church Fathers wrote extensively against hoarding wealth while others suffered.”

“So I have theological backing for financial transparency?”

“You have a theological imperative.” Her eyes, sharp behind simple glasses, meet mine. “The question isn’t whether you have the right to examine the Church’s finances, but whether you’ve been remiss in not doing so sooner.”

Father Tomás, who has been quietly arranging papers at the side table, looks up with concern. “Sister, His Holiness has been Pope for barely a month.”

“And found a dead financial officer in the garden,” she replies bluntly. “Timing is sometimes God’s way of setting priorities.”

I nod gratefully. “Thank you, Sister Lucia. Your perspective helps.”

Father Tomás discreetly checks his watch. “Your Holiness, Archbishop Chen will arrive shortly.”

“Sister Lucia, would you mind staying a moment longer?” I ask. “I value your historical perspective.”

After Tomás steps out, Sister Lucia settles more comfortably in her chair. “You’re concerned about the resistance you’re facing.”

“I’m concerned about making the same mistakes as previous reformers,” I admit. “Cardinal Antonelli made it clear there could be… consequences to pursuing this audit.”

She nods thoughtfully. “You’re not the first Pope to face this struggle.

Pope Innocent III in the 13th century instituted major financial reforms, centralizing papal authority over Church finances.

Pope Gregory VII fought against simony—the buying and selling of Church offices.

Even Pope Francis in our time faced significant resistance to his financial transparency initiatives. ”

“And what happened to these reformers?”

“Some succeeded, some were partially thwarted.” She leans forward. “But remember, Holy Father, they were all older men when they became Pope. You have youth on your side—potentially decades to implement change.”

“If I survive the first year,” I say with a wry smile.

Her expression turns serious. “That’s not entirely a joke, is it? You genuinely fear for your safety.”

I hesitate, then decide on honesty. “Monsignor Adessi’s death seems… convenient for those who prefer secrets remain buried.”

“Then you need to know whom to trust.” She glances toward the door, lowering her voice.

“Cardinal Antonelli has family connections to Italian banking families who’ve had relationships with the Vatican Bank for generations.

Cardinal Visconti has blocked every attempt at financial reform for the past fifteen years.

And Cardinal Lombardi, while personally honest, is easily influenced by traditionalists who equate questioning finances with attacking the Church itself. ”

“And who can I trust, besides Cardinal Sullivan?”

“Archbishop Chen has advocated for ethical investment of Church funds for years. Cardinal Esposito from Brazil has written extensively on economic justice. And Cardinal Rivera from Mexico stood with Pope Francis during his attempts at financial reform.” She pauses. “But be careful with Father Tomás.”

This surprises me. “My secretary? He seems devoted.”

“He is devoted—but his formation was under Cardinal Visconti. His loyalty to you is genuine, but his understanding of Church politics was shaped by traditionalists. Watch how information flows through him.”

Before I can respond, a discreet knock announces Father Tomás’s return. “Your Holiness, Archbishop Chen has arrived.”

Sister Lucia rises. “Remember the words of Pope Gregory the Great: ‘The art of arts is the governance of souls.’ Financial reform is ultimately about spiritual integrity.”

After she departs, Father Tomás approaches hesitantly. “Your Holiness, was your discussion with Sister Lucia productive?”

I study his face, wondering if Sister Lucia’s caution is warranted. “Very. She has a remarkable grasp of Church history.”

“She is certainly… forthright in her opinions,” he says carefully .

“Sometimes forthrightness is exactly what’s needed.” I gesture toward the door. “Please show Archbishop Chen in.”

Archbishop Chen Wei enters with a slight bow. His presence is a welcome sight—as head of the Vatican’s missionary outreach in Asia, Chen represents the global Church I hope to strengthen.

“Your Holiness.” He clasps my extended hands warmly. “I came as soon as I received your message.”

“Thank you for coming, Archbishop. Please, sit.” I gesture to the chair across from me. “I understand you worked with Monsignor Adessi on several Asian development projects.”

Chen’s expression grows sombre. “Yes. His death is a great tragedy.”

“Did he seem troubled to you recently?”

The Archbishop considers his words carefully. “Monsignor Adessi was… conflicted about certain financial arrangements involving our missions in Southeast Asia.”

“What kind of arrangements?”

“I discovered that companies receiving Vatican investment were the same ones exploiting local workers and displacing indigenous communities.” Chen’s voice remains measured, but his eyes reflect deep concern.

“When I brought this to his attention, he seemed genuinely disturbed, and promised to investigate. That was three weeks ago.”

I lean forward. “Did he mention specific accounts or investments?”

“He referred to certain portfolios as being ‘historically untouchable’ despite poor financial performance.” Chen hesitates. “Your Holiness, I don’t wish to speak ill of the dead, but Monsignor Adessi implied that questioning these investments could be… dangerous.”

The word hangs in the air between us.

“Thank you for your honesty, Archbishop.” I stand and move to the window, looking out at St. Peter’s Square below. “I’ve ordered a complete audit of Vatican finances. ”

“A bold move,” Chen replies. “And one that will face resistance.”

“From those who benefit from secrecy.” I turn back to him. “I’ll need allies, Archbishop. Not just in Rome, but throughout the global Church.”

He nods slowly. “The Asian Cardinals have long advocated for greater transparency. You will have our support.”

After Archbishop Chen departs, Father Tomás approaches with a folder. “Your Holiness, we’ve received a report from the Vatican Police about Monsignor Adessi’s recent activities.”

I open the folder, scanning the contents. One detail immediately catches my attention.

“He met with Italian government investigators twice in the week before his death?”

“Yes, Your Holiness. Apparently related to Prime Minister Valentini’s anti-corruption initiative.”

I close the folder, my decision immediate. “Contact the Prime Minister’s office. Request an urgent meeting—private, not a formal state visit.”

“The Cardinals will expect to be informed—”

“They will be, after the meeting is arranged.” I meet his concerned gaze. “Sometimes, Tomás, we must seek truth outside our walls to understand what’s happening within them.”

He nods, though uncertainty clouds his expression. “I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”

Left alone, I withdraw Adessi’s note from my desk drawer where I’ve kept it. The untouchable accounts must remain so, or everything collapses.

What had he discovered that made death preferable to revelation? And who else might be implicated if these accounts were exposed?

I think of Matteo Valentini, who survived an assassination attempt yet returned to the podium to continue his anti-corruption speech. Perhaps we are fighting the same enemies from different directions .

I place the note back in the drawer and lock it. Whatever forces drove Monsignor Adessi to his death—whether by his own hand or another’s—they will soon discover that the new Pope will not be so easily silenced.